Roads investment needed to grow economy

We’ve been very clear that we will support the Government in its mission to drive economic growth and a high-quality road system is key in helping them deliver on their aspirations.

Roads are the lifeblood of the UK economy, facilitating the vast majority of passenger and goods journeys. Yet in many cases they are not fit for purpose and are often clogged up or in poor repair – increasing emissions, costs, journey times and people’s frustrations.

And all of this puts the handbrake on economic growth. Congestion costs the economy £30bn a year which is one why we’re calling for local, regional and national road building and improvement projects to be given the green light.

In particular, we’re hopeful that the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing scheme will be given the green light by the Secretary of State on Friday. If approved, this would relieve pressure on other routes in the region and allow for more efficient journeys, not just in the South East, but right across the country. This would be great news for operators of lorries, coaches and vans.

We hope it doesn’t suffer the same fate as the A27 Arundel Bypass and the A303 improvement schemes which were scrapped in the summer. The former is a vital freight corridor along the south coast linking ports, and the latter a key route for coaches taking visitors to popular South West destinations. Both routes are in dire need of investment so these were big blows for local economies.

There is better news on much-needed planning reform however. We’re pleased that the Government launched a consultation on a new draft version of the National Planning Policy Framework as early as August and we have responded to it.

We’re broadly encouraged by the proposed new version noting that it acknowledges for the first time the role that freight and logistics play in shaping a modern economy. But we’ve said it needs to go further and must make greater provision for lorry parking, coach facilities, green infrastructure and improving the relationship between freight, logistics and local planning.

In a similar vein we’re also calling for a review of the Development Consent Order process to help ensure that highways schemes, roadside facilities and green infrastructure can be delivered faster.

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget in four weeks we reemphasise the importance of roads investment.

We’ve called for the £8bn allocation of Network North road maintenance funding to stay in place to fix existing roads.

We also urge that the forthcoming Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) features a fresh pipeline of projects to kickstart a new period of job creation and economic growth. And we want to see roadside facilities included too.

Roads are our members’ workplace – and must meet the needs of a modern economy. We’re poised to work with local and national government to help make that happen.

More on our plans to help the Government drive economic growth through our Mission Driven – a Blueprint for Delivery.